1975 BMW 320 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 320 would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 401 more horse power than 1975 BMW 320. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 925 kg more than 1975 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 673 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 320. (157 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 320. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1975 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1975 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 320 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 320 | SL |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 2045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 80 L |
